CourtHelp Legal Glossary

A money deposit (usually cash) given to the court to release a defendant or witness from custody and to make sure that they come back to court.

A legal paper that a person buys from a bondsman and gives to the court instead of money. If the defendant doesn't come to court as ordered, the bondsman must pay the amount of money on the bail bond to the court.

A person who gets paid to put up the money for bail to allow a witness or defendant to be released from custody. If the defendant or witness does not come to court as ordered, the bondsman must pay the amount of money on the bail bond to the court.

When a Judge makes a decision that the bail money can be returned.

When a defendant doesn’t return to court on time, they give up the money (bail) that was deposited with the court to get free.

A written statement that the court gives a defendant that says bail was paid.

A list of the amount of money that is suggested for temporarily releasing people on different charges.

A person that is in charge of security in the court. Also called a Court Officer.

When the court returns money or property to the defendant or bondsman.

Money a person may have to pay to be released from custody after arrest but before arraignment.

When a court gives back money that was put up towards bail because it says that the defendant had a good reason for missing court.